Reciprocating type actuating means



March 13, 1962 Louis BENJETSKY 3,025,372 Now BY JUDICIAL CHANGE OF NAME LOUIS BENSON RECIPROCATING TYPE ACTUATING MEANS Filed Aug. 7, 1958 Fg. l F/g? 3335 l J i115 III' E I, f "\l\.\.\\\\\my 1e I l d se IlI fn VN; 12 a "I",

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United States Patent Gfltice 3,025,372 Patented Mar. 13, 1962 3,025,372 RECIPROCATING TYPE ACTUATING MEANS Louis Benjetsky, now, by judicial change of name, Louis Benson, Roslyn, Pa. (1075 Old Ford Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.)

Filed Aug. 7, 1958, Ser. No. 753,831 Claims. (Cl. 20d-87) The present invention relates to a reciprocating device, and more particularly to a magnetic reciprocating device in which translational movement of one driver member in a given direction elects opposing directional movement of a cooperating slave member without the use of interconnecting linkage between the two members.

The ensuing specitication'will discuss at length the incorporation of such a device into, tirst, electric switches and, secondly, a ow restricting valve, though the uses as described do not purport to be exhaustive.

An object of the instant invention is to provide a're'- ciprocating device completely devoid of any mechanical connecting linkage between the principal cooperating members.

A second object is to provide moisture-proof, waterproof explosion-proof, positive acting electrical switching means capable of sustained operation with prolonged longevity.

A further object is to provide a positive acting flow restricting valve with no physical connection between actuator and actuated members.

Subsequent objects and advantages will become ap' parent in more detail in the explanation of the annexed drawing and specication in which:

FIGS. l, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, show sequential operation of an embodiment of the instant invention as incorporated into a linear-actuated electrical switch; whereas FIG. 1 is taken on line 1-1 of FIG, 5.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. l.

lFIGS. 6 and 7, respectively, show sequential operation of an embodiment of the instant invention as incorporated into a rotary actuated electrical switch.

FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, show sequential operation of an embodiment of the instant invention as incorporated into a flow restricting valve.

Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts through the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 an embodiment of the basic inventive device as incorporated into a linear actuated electrical switch.

The basic inventive reciprocating device, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, consists of a housing 10 divided into two compartments by partition 23. Contained within each compartment are permanent magnets 14 and 18, arranged with like complementary pole faces top and bottom, intermedially molded or tted into slidable members 12 and 16, respectively.

Slidable member 12 is shorter in length than slidable member 16. Handle 15, movable in elongated slot 25, is iixedly engaged with or may be made integral with slidable member 12.

Operation of the basic follows:

Referring to FIG. 1 in particular, permanent magnets 14 and 18 are disposed about partition 23 with the south pole S of magnet 14 attracting the north pole N of magnet 18.

Concurrently, repelling magnetic action is taking place between the respective north poles N as Well as the respective south poles S of magnets 14 and 18. Thus, slidable members 12 and 16, being engaged with magnets 14 and 18, respectively, and restricted within the contines of container are subjected to forces in opposing direction. These forces are still in eifect even though no inventive device is described as movement occurs due to the restraining contines of container 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a downward outside force F is applied to handle 15, which in turn depresses slidable member 12 so that the poles of magnet 14 are aligned (N N and SS) and opposing those of magnet 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, the downward outside force F acting on handle 1S has depressed slidable member 12 still further so that the poles of magnet 14 are now disaligned with the corresponding poles of magnet 18. Once the critical positioning shown in FIG. 2 has been passed, slidable members 12 and 16 begin to move in opposing directions by virtue of a combined repelling and attractive force as described above, until movement in each respective direction is halted by the restraining contines of container 10. This latter position is shown in FIG. 4.

Assuming now that the component positions shown in FIG. 4 are in effect, and that the ultimate positions shown in FIG. l are desired, mere reversal of direction of force F upon handle 15 through a comparable distance as eX- plained above will accomplish this result.

As previously mentioned, the basic inventive concept lies within the scope of the above described operational action. Now, the description will deal with inclusion of this concept within more particularized embodiments.

Referring again to FIGS. l through 5 wherein a linear actuated electrical switch, generally designated by reference numeral 20, is depicted, the operation of the components previously described remains unchanged. Upper and lower electrical contact assemblies 11 in container 10 may be incorporated as desired into suitable circuitry (not shown) which would utilize the switching operation performed by the instant invention. Of course, it may be understood that the number and arrangement of contact assemblies shown does not purport to be limiting or inclusive, since these factors are determined by the nature of the desired electrical result.

The slidable member 12, hereinafter referred to for descriptive purposes as driving member 12 may be cushioned at either of its ultimate positions as shown within the right hand chamber of container 10 with a resilient material 22 such as foam rubber. This may be bonded to either the container 10, as shown, or the extremities of driving member 12.

The slidable member 16, as shown within the left hand chamber of container 10, hereinafter referred to for descriptive purposes as driven member 16, may also be cushioned at its extremities with a resilient material 19 such as foam rubber.

The resilient materials 19 and 22 are optional expedients to be utilized if relatively noiseless operation is desired.

A metallic contact bridging plate 24 is secured to the resilient material 19 at either or both extremities of driven member 16 depending upon the number of contacts desired. Of course, if resilient material 19 is not utilized, the plate 24 may be secured directly to driven member 16. The contact bridging plate 24 may also take the form of a resilient member itself, in the form of a metallic spring, though not shown as such.

The driving member 12 and the driven member 16 are provided with rails 17 for reducing friction within each chamber and for eliminating air pockets within the chamber.

The chamber shown on the left, containing the driven member 16, may be pressurized with a gas 26, such as air, for example, and hermetically sealed to entrap the desired pressure. This would facilitate the reduction of electrical arcing within the chamber, and would permit successfully sustained operation at all altitudes, including underwater, as well as rendering the switch explosionproof. If desired, this chamber may be completely evacuated of gas for operation at which arcing is to be stimulated.

Operation of electrical switch 20 utilizes the means previously described in the basic inventive concept, in which force F displaces driving member 12 by a certain proportionate amount, thereby causing driven member 16 to be activated in a direction opposite to that of force F. Termination of movement by driven member 16 results in a bridging of contact assemblies 11 by plate 24 to effectively Close that portion of the electrical circuit.

Whereas the electrical switch shown in FIGS, 1 through 5 has dealt exclusively with linear actuation, the showing in FIGS. 6 and 7 provide for a configuration which utilizes rotary motion for actuation of the switching mechanism.

The rotary switch generally designated by the numeral 46, as will be explained later, may be designed for dynamic stability, thus providing advantageous utility for aircraft installations, where subjection to vibration, G- forces and varying altitudes will occur.

In essence, the operation of the inventive reciprocating device is of the same nature as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. The principal deviation, however, dwells mainly in the circular configuration, which presents additional structural demands.

Container 43 is divided into two chambers by partition 57. The inner chamber houses driving magnet 44 which is -ixedly disposed within rotatably sliding member 46. Knob 45 is attached to sliding member 46 to facilitate rotation of sliding member 46 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

The outer chamber houses driven magnet 48 which is fixedly disposed within rotatably sliding member 42. Metallic pin 47 is iixedly attached to one extremity of sliding member 42. Metallic spring contacts 51 are also disposed within the outer chamber to receive metallic pin 47 to thus complete the electrical continuity between.r

contacts 51. Gas 21, within the hermetically sealed outer chamber, may be pressurized or completely evacuated depending upon the intended use of the device.

Dynamic balancing, as previously mentioned, is accomplished by the insertion of xedly incorporated balancing weights 54 and 58 arranged opposite magnets 44 and 4S within slidable members 46 and 42, respectively.

Stop member 56, disposed within elongated slot 55, limits the arcuate travel of sliding member 46. Likewise, stop member 52, disposed within elongated slot 53, limits the arcuate travel of sliding member 42. Rails 17, similar to those shown in FIGS. l through 5, may be incorporated with slidable members 42 and 46, although they are not indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring now to FIG. 6, it is noted that electrical continuity between contacts 51 is non-existent. It is also pointed out that due to the combined attractive and repulsive forces created by the relative positions of magnets 44- and 48, slidable members 46 and 42 tend to abut stops 52 and 56 in opposing arcuate directions.

As knob 45 is rotated counterclockwise, slidable member 42 is held motionless by stop 52 until the respective poles of magnet 44 reach a point immediately past alignment with the like poles of magnet 48. At this point, slidable member 42 begins and continues to arcuately rotate in a clockwise direction until stop 52 is again encountered. Slidable member 46 continues to rotate in a counterclockwise direction until stop S6 is encountered.

By this time, pin 47 has bridged the gap between spring contact members 51 and electrical continuity is elected between said contact members. FIG. 7 shows the relationship of components before slidable member 42 is seated against stop 52.

Another possible conguration into which the inventive reciprocating mechanism is employed is the ow restricting valve 3@ depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Here, much of the configuration of the switch 2@ is utilized. The arrangement of magnets incorporated into slidable members 12 and 16 in valve 30 is identical to that shown in switch 20. Partition 38 separates and forms chambers within container 31 for reciprocal movement of sliding members 12 and 16. Tube-like extensions 32 are provided about the longitudinal ends of the chamber housing sliding member 16. Opening 37 and valve seat and opening 33 offer compatible passage of either liquid or gas between extension 32 and the left hand chamber. Rod 35, attached to one extremity of slidable member 16 extends through seat and opening 33, and has connected to its other extremity ball 34. Rails 17 on slidable members 12 and 16 are provided as in switch 20.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 8, ball 34 effects a seal upon valve seat 33 by virtue of the magnetic forces described previously, thus preventing transmittal of liquid or gas between extension 32 and the left hand chamber at this junction. As a downward force is exerted upon handle 15 which, in turn, depresses slidable member 12, slidable member 16 is actuated in the opposite direction. This action unseats ball 34 from seat 33, thus permitting the passage of air or gas therethrough. Slidable member 16 continues its movement until ystops 16A abut container 31.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates only to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention and that numerous modifications and alterations of the apparatus disclosed may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope as set forth.

The magnetic aand electrical contact members are, of course, composed of materials best suited for performance of the desired result. Containers 10, 31 and 43 and slidable encasing members 16, I2, 42 and 46 may be composed of materials such as plastic, aluminum or the like.

The slidable members, as shown, are disposed in juxtaposition about either an arcuate or longitudinal axis. This axis may appear as a wall or partition, as shown in the preferred embodiment, or simply the point of contact between the slidable members if no separation is desired.

Though the inventive reciprocating type actuating means, as shown, is utilized in the operation of, and integrated with, electrical switches and flow control valves, it should be understood that these uses are not to be construed as exhaustive. For example, the inventive device may be utilized to actuate a foreign device which is disposed within the effective scope of said inventive device.

IWhat is claimed is:

1. A device of the character described; container means, a slave magnet unit carried by said container means for limited travel of a discrete distance along a plane, a driver magnet unit carried by said container means for limited travel in excess of said discrete distance along said plane while maintaining a substantially constant lateral spacedapart relationship to said slave magnet unit, said slave magnet unit being a structurally free body within said container means and within the effective magnetic scope of said driver magnet unit, magnetic means on said slave magnet unit and said driver magnet unit for urging oppositely directional movement of said slave magnet unit and said driver magnet unit, partition means disposed between said slave magnet unit and said driver magnet unit to form a plurality of discrete chambers, said slave magnet unit and said driver magnet unit each being slidably guided along said partition means, said partition means being curved, stop means within said container means for limiting the distance of travel of said slave magnet unit and said driver magnet unit, counter-weight means for balancing said slave magnet unit and said driver magnet unit within said container means.

2. In the device of claim l, electrical contact means within and protruding through said container means for connection to an outside electrical source, means on at least one of said magnet units for opening and closing said contact means.

3. In the device of claim 2, spacer means for separating portions of said slave magnet unit and said `driver magnet unit means from the inner connes of said container means.

4. In the device of claim 3, at least one of said chambers being 'hermetically sealed, gas entrapped within said sealed chamber being maintained at a discrete level of pressure by said seal.

5. In the device of claim 4, gas pressure within said hermetically sealed chamber to be maintained at vacuum level by said seal.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,298,573 Little Oct. 13, 1942 6 Malone July 18, 1944 Harmon Apr. 17, 1945 yBucklen et al Nov, 27, 1945 Hubbell Sept. 12, 1950 Atchison Nov. 13, 1951 Allen Nov. 27, 1951 Simon July 22, 1952 Collins Oct. 16, 1956 Kellett Nov. 13, 1956 Kathe May 27, 1958 Maciszewski July 22, 1958 Tigerschiold Sept, 23, 1958 Schoengrun Jan. 20, 1959 Andrews July 2l, 1959 Houser Jan. 26, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS France Sept. 10, 1956 

